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Tips & Tricks - Cellulite Removal 101

Cellulite - most of us have it, NONE of us want it. Cellulite is a term that refers to the dimpled or lumpy appearance of the skin that resembles cottage cheese or an orange peel. Pretty much guessing no one wants anything resembling orange peels or cottage cheese. The lumpy look is caused by the fatty deposits that distort and push against the connective tissues beneath the skin of the affected area.

Factors that influence the development of cellulite include age, gender, amount of body fat, heredity, thickness of the skin, and distribution of body fat. Cellulite is more common in women than men because of their differences in the distribution of connective tissues, fat and muscles.

Can cellulite or fat cells be removed?

The answer is well, not that simple. It's first important to understand a little about fat cells. Our bodies need fat cells, otherwise known as adipocytes. We need adipocytes as fuel tanks to store future energy. However, not all fat cells are the same.

Where people tend to store fat is a good indication of metabolic or cardiovascular risk. When you store a lot of fat in your upper body and belly area, that is known as the apple body shape or "android obesity". When you store a lot of fat in your lower body (hips, butt and thighs), that is known as the pear shape or "gynoid obesity".

Body fat can also be stored below the skin, which is known as subcutaneous fat, or it can be stored around the internal organs, which is known as visceral (abdominal) fat.

Carrying large amounts of excess body fat is unhealthy in general, but the abdominal and visceral fat increases the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disease the most.

Lower body fat, while it's an annoying cosmetic problem, is on average less harmful.

At one time it was believed that you were born with low number of fat cells in your body and only eating fatty foods increased both the cell count and subsequently the ability to enlarge the fat cells. So for example, getting our first milk was a culprit in increasing our fat cell count. It was also widely believed that you could never actually get rid of a fat cell, only reduce the size of it.

Again, it's simply not that black and white. Your body will store an optimal amount of fat cells given the right conditions (diet and exercise). However cell, like most living things do die out. Fat cells can expand and be reduced in size but they also diminish are are replaced. In fact, the body does an incredible job at replacing those diminished cells and unfortunately can do it even faster once it is "used to" producing them in the first place. Once you increase above a certain amount of body fat, the body is trained in the production of newer fat cells faster to maintain its proper fat cell ratio. That is why when you gain excessive weight, it's so much easier to get the fat back even when you are dieting at your pre-weight gain body size.

How can I prevent cellulite?

Now that you understand a little about how those fat cells work, take heart, you CAN do something about that pesky problem.

Stay Lean - I know, totally annoying to hear but for the sake of many 20-somethings out there that may be reading this and "think" they are fat when they are basically at their perfect weight, do whatever you can not to gain weight in the first place. You don't even have to really diet, just don't become sedentary and don't go nuts on the beer binging. The price is just not worth it in the long run. So if you are lean, stay lean. Getting fit and strong is WAY easier if you're body weight is still in proper proportion to your body and sex type. Once you become over-weight, it is that much harder.

Circulate - Think of your body at the cellular level. Think how cells think. They need action. Keeping blood flowing especially through the connective tissues helps in keeping their elasticity and firming their appearance. Think of Saran wrap when you loosely cover something versus one that is taut. Circulation will help your skin keep taut over fatty connective tissues. Certain foods can help with circulation too like ginger or asparagus. Incidentally, smoking wreaks havoc on circulation, basically cutting off the oxygenation supply to cells. Enough said...

Hydrate - Just like proper circulation, cells need proper hydration to function properly. Fat cells are not your enemy. They are your fuel source. Treat them properly and they won't work against you. Hydration means making sure you get the water your need for ALL of your cells to function at their optimum levels including fat cells and connective tissues.

Exercise - Exercising increases that needed circulation and helps develop muscles. Muscles contain cells that actually do the "pulling and pushing". Fat cells can't do that, but muscle cells need the fuel from the fat cells to function at all. The more muscle cells are pulling and pushing and becoming stronger, the better friends they are with their fat cell fuel buddies. Of course this is a bit over-simplified but you get the picture. See Verseo's Fitness Pinterest Board for inspiration.

Can I reduce the appearance of cellulite?

Yes.

First take care of yourself from the inside out. A good start is a Detoxification Diet. Starting with a fresh slate will help ensure all your cells are working together properly.

What if you are fit as a fiddle, thin as a branch and STILL have cellulite? Millions do. Even children who have young cells and are cheetah-like in their activity level can be prone to cellulite simply because some body types just are genetically predisposed to have connective tissues that are thinner or less taut than others.

Luckily we also have brain cells. Brain cells that help us to discover and create tools that combat our problems! All joking aside, assuming you've committed to truly taking care of yourself and are trying hard to follow the advice listed above, there is a great external solution that can reduce the appearance of cellulite -Endermologie.

What is Endermologie?

Developed in France in the early 1990's, Endermologie has been successfully used in the treatment of cellulite by providing a combination of massage, suction, and circulation to smooth the skin over areas affected by cellulite. Endermologie has been approved by the FDA for the reduction in the appearance of cellulite.

Typically Endermologie can be done in salons as 30-40 minute treatment cycles over a period of 10 to 12 sessions. Anyone that has ever gotten their hair cut at a salon 10 or 12 times can do the math and realize this is a luxury few can truly afford no matter the necessity.

Verseo's RollerCell2 (the updated name after a few improvement were made to the system in 2009) is a best-selling Endermologie system that you can use at home. It basically takes the same functionality of a salon Endermologie tool and turns it into a portable device. The system comes with Cellulite-Reducing Gel that you smooth over your skin so that you can easily glide the RollerCell2 over the skin. The rollers, suctions and heating mechanisms then work on the skin to distribute the underlying fat cells into a smoother surface.

What are the benefits of using Verseo's RollerCell2?

Pretty much the obvious - costs. The Verseo RollerCell2 can be purchased for under $60, which is usually less than even ONE Endermologie salon treatment. The reason such an effective tool can be offered at such a low price is of course volume. The RollerCell2 is sold international to thousands of satisfied customers which Endermologie salon treatments just don't have the capacity for that type of reach. The RollerCell2 has been featured on TheDoctors TV show as a true alternative for cellulite reduction making the system that much more popular and therefore, that much more affordable.

Finally, one of the major benefits of the RollerCell2 is being able to utilize the tool from the privacy of your home on your own time. With work schedules, most of our free time is left to nighttime when salons are not open. The treatments can be done at home whenever it is convenient and appropriate for each individual.

Yes, it may be nice to have someone else provide a "salon" experience for you but if you're actually trying to produce results, the cost and convenience of the RollerCell2 simply can't be beat. Remember, the only thing between you and a BETTER YOU is a little self-discipline and taking action.

Mary Greene is Verseo's Social Media Health & Beauty rep who specializes in finding health and beauty tips for real women. A mother of three, Mary finds humor in everyday life and reports back what you may find interesting as well. Based on her feedback, Verseo will offer relevant promotions or even find special products that may suit your needs. You can read Mary's Beauty Secret Blog, follow her on Twitter, see her Pinterest Boards or keep up with the latest on FaceBook. A great way to stay connected. Don't be shy and reach out to Mary. She loves to hear from you!

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